Trainspotter

I am a big fan of trains, apparently dating back to my childhood, when I'd get unreasonably excited about commuter trains passing overhead (whether this was my own obsession or something prompted by my mother, I am unsure). I still enjoy getting around New York by subway--most mornings, anyway--and have happily explored transit systems in scattered cities around the world.

Taking the Acela this year has been a great discovery. It showcases America's potential in high-speed rail and the many advantages that come with it. Unfortunately, it also shows the shortcomings: the breakdowns, the slow top speeds, the inexplicably bumpy ride.

The more we can get ourselves to adopt, and appreciate, trains the better our environment will be. I will continue to take trains whenever they're a viable option. And, yeah, getting excited when they go by. I still do that.